10 Best Hair and Beauty Destinations in Philly
Image via Mirror and Mantel.
Whether you’re looking for an edgy haircut, a manly mani, a brow cleanup, or a total makeover, Philly is home to some seriously talented artists who can get you to primping perfection. Here are 10 must-visit hair and beauty spots – each of which has been vetted by our intrepid editors. See a fave that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments!
The stylists here know there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all pixie, bob or lob (that’s a long bob, for those who aren’t fluent in hair). They’ll create a flattering cut that will make you — not your dramatic chop — the center of attention. 117 South 22nd Street, Rittenhouse, 215-988-9088.
Just because it’s a feeder for the two Adolf Biecker Salons doesn’t mean the rookie stylists here aren’t scissoring the same swingy styles. Pop by (really, walk-ins are encouraged) for a $45 cut and style that includes complimentary hand and scalp massages. 138 South 34th Street, Rittenhouse, 215-418-5500.
Image via Adolf Biecker.
Sure, you could go to the Rittenhouse’s new Paul Labrecque salon for the $95 Indulgent Shave — which really is the most wonderful straight-razor action you can get in the city. But why stop there? For $250 you’ll get three hours of luxurious attention, including a back exfoliation and massage, a very manly manicure and pedicure, and the Indulgent Shave. (Make sure to take advantage of the heated pool.) 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse, 215-790-2500.
It’s not just that our extensive polling of men turns up this spot over and over again. It’s that the men who recommend this place all have very different hair — curly, short, fine, coarse, downright unruly — and all look consistently great. 727 Walnut Street, Market East and 2101 Christian Street, Graduate Hospital, 215-574-1234.
These independent soap purveyors already had us as head-to-toe customers with their own line of hair and skin-care products. Now, with the addition of a salon and a yoga studio (on the second and third floors above the original store), they’re keeping our cuts fresh and our muscles toned, too. 117 South 13th Street, Market East, 215-592-7627.
Makeup Boutique: Monica Virga Cosmetics
It’s the size of a walk-in closet, with shabby-chic charm and a dash of Italian glamour courtesy of owner and makeup artist Monica Virga, who recently relocated from Milan. Go here for her custom line of well-priced, quality cosmetics. A standout: the spray-on bronzer, which — we can say with only minimal hyperbole — changes lives. 413 South 20th Street, Rittenhouse, 267-237-1508.
Makeup Service: Beke Beau Cosmetic “Audit”
A seasoned makeup artist, Beau will help purge and de-clutter your cosmetics, teach you how to wield that contouring brush, and streamline your beauty regimen. Say good-bye to your wild, desperate CVS makeup-buying sprees. 4001 Main Street, Suite 300, Manayunk, 610-220-0042.
Images via Monica Virga and Rescue Spa.
Fixer for Problem Skin: Naomi Fenlin at About Face Skin Care
Prepare to have flashbacks of seventh-grade health class. About Face owner Fenlin won’t simply treat whatever skin problems are ailing you with a combo of her own products and techniques; she’ll completely school you on the science behind them first. 1015 Chestnut Street, Suite 1205, Market East, 215-923-5001.
Brow Maintenance: Threading at Rescue Spa
Nobody sculpts an arch like Maria Gulraiz. She puts you on a training plan (complete with potions that thicken your brows over time and vegetable-based dyes that add impact) and creates a shape that opens up your entire face. 1601 Walnut Street, third floor, Rittenhouse, 215-772-2766.
Manicure: Keratin Manicure at Laurentius Salon
More than a week after we got this new manicure, our polish looked gel-like: shiny, chip-free and pristine. But this isn’t only a long-lasting mani — it actually makes your nails healthier thanks to a warm, waterless hydrating, strengthening and anti-aging keratin treatment. 815 Christian Street, Bella Vista, 215-238-0764.
